Heat guidelines launched

In the wake of a record heatwave, the government has first-ever adopted new guidelines on heat-related diseases, including responding to preterm birth and severe heat stress among vulnerable populations.The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) with the UNICEF's support launched the national guidelines on Sunday.The guidelines will have special focuses to protect children and pregnant women from heat-related health risks.The odds of a preterm birth rise by 5 per cent per 1°C increase in temperature and by 16 per cent during heatwave versus non-heatwave days, demonstrating that the risk of a preterm delivery is higher during a heatwave, the UNICEF says.The preterm birth rate in Bangladesh (16.2 per cent) is the highest in the world and this is further aggravated by heatwaves.Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen launched the guidelines as the chief guest.People, certainly the minors, the elderly and patients of diabetes or heart disease, are at a high risk of high temperature, he said.Urging people to be ready to cope with such extreme heat, Dr Sen said that this year's heatwave is not the last one. Therefore, such guidelines will help people as it is a timely one.The guidelines have already been sent to all government hospitals and measures have been taken to train doctors. The guidelines should be distributed in the form of leaflets in all educational institutions, including schools and colleges. I have already given this instruction, the health minister added.Calling on urban planners, he said, We see that the temperature in Dhaka city is much higher than in villages. This is because we fell trees in the capital while constructing buildings. We mayn't have much influence on climate change. But, if we keep these things in mind while planning the city, salvation is possible to a large extent. Bangladesh is increasingly buffeted by the impacts of climate change. The UNICEF estimates that one in three children in Bangladesh (nearly 20 million children) bears the brunt of climate change every day. Every child has the right to a healthy environment, and we all have a role to play. By addressing heat-related illnesses and prioritising skills for healthcare professionals, we can help pave the way for a healthier and brighter future for children in Bangladesh, said Sheldon Yett, a representative from the UNICEF in Bangladesh.DGHS Director Prof Dr ABM Khurshid Alam chaired the event.Extreme heatwaves have become increasingly prevalent in Bangladesh, posing significant health risks to its population, particularly during the humid months from April to August. nsrafsanju@gmail.com...